The new Nationality Act came into force in June 2003. By July 2005 a total of 5,662 former Finnish citizens or persons with a Finnish or former Finnish citizen as a parent had submitted a declaration of naturalisation. The largest numbers of declarations were submitted by present citizens of the United States (1,210), Sweden (1,030), Canada (738), Australia (606) and Switzerland (466). In total, they represent 80 different nationalities.
5,321 persons of those who submitted a declaration have already acquired Finnish citizenship. Finnish citizenship was granted to 2,971 former Finnish citizens and 2,350 persons with a Finnish citizen or former Finnish citizen as a parent. The number of women (2,806) is slightly higher than that of men (2,505). Among the former Finnish citizens the largest age group is those aged between 36 and 60 (1,280). 1,026 persons are over 60 years old. Among the descendants the largest age group is those aged between 18 and 35 (1,313). 412 persons are under 18 years.
The new nationality act came into force on June 1, 2003. The new act accepts multiple nationality (dual nationality) to an increasing extent. A former Finnish citizen who has lost his or her Finnish citizenship may also regain his or her Finnish citizenship by submitting a declaration. Persons with a Finnish citizen or former Finnish citizen as a parent may also acquire Finnish citizenship by declaration. The declaration must be submitted by May 31, 2008 at the latest.
Declaration of naturalisation
Former Finnish citizens / Persons with a Finnish citizen or former Finnish citizen as a parent (pdf)
Further information: Tiina Suominen, Director of the Nationality Division
August 24, 2005
